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Kathy Loomis RN Named Employee of the Month for April

May 12, 2017

KUTZTOWN, Pa. - Kathy Loomis RN, university nurse, has been selected as the Employee of the Month for April 2017. Kathy was nominated by Donna Ruch who had this to say in her nomination:

"As we approached the 3rd Annual Kutztown University Out of the Darkness Campus Walk; it is only fitting that I nominate Kathy Loomis RN - University Nurse - for the KU Employee of the Month award for April 2017.

"Kathy has been a University Nurse in the Clinical Services Department (KU Health & Wellness Center) for nearly 10 years. She has selflessly served our KU student body by providing kind, competent and compassionate nursing care in an exceptional manner. However, that is not the only reason I feel that she is so deserving of this award. More details are provided below:

"A few years back, Kathy and her family suffered a personal tragedy and loss. Through it all...Kathy chose hope. She guarded her heart against bitterness and anger. She gave herself time to heal and did not retreat. Then in 2015, Kathy started the first Kutztown University Out of the Darkness Campus Walk - an outreach of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Her goal was to help the KU Campus (staff, faculty AND students) walk in honor of loved ones, raise awareness, build support and try and get rid of the stigma that surrounds suicide. By helping others at risk, Kathy found that the best way to prevent suicide is by communication and education with a message of hope: choose to believe that the pain of today is the foundation of tomorrow's victory.

"As I mentioned above, on April 30, 2017, KU hosted its 3rd Annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk. As with every year since it began, Kathy has worked tirelessly for this cause and has seen the fruits of her labor. I can say without a doubt that the entire KU Campus and community has benefited in one way or another from this event. So many have volunteered, walked, donated and given their support. We have all come together to change the conversation about mental health and put a stop to this tragic loss of life. We have all come together because...Kathy was the voice; the one to start the conversation."

Nominations are collected from students, faculty and staff, and the Employee of the Month is selected by the Human Resources Advisory Council. A winner will be selected each month and out of the 12 monthly winners one will be selected as Employee of the Year. The Employee of the Month will receive a plaque, reserved parking and a $100 monetary gift sponsored by President Hawkinson.